Ruckman Sam Jacobs is a chance to return for Sunday's clash with Fremantle at Domain Stadium after sitting out last week's thumping of the Brisbane Lions with an ankle injury. If Jacobs is given another week to recover, Reilly O'Brien will retain his place in the side after making an impressive debut. Veteran midfielder Scott Thompson and first-year forward Mitch McGovern were both rested and will come back into the side to face the Dockers. Coach Don Pyke has hinted other players could be rested in the run into the finals. Winger Paul Seedsman will face a fitness test on a corked buttock. Seedsman's likely replacement, Ricky Henderson, also faces a test on an Achilles injury. The Crows had the bye last weekend in the SANFL. - Lee Gaskin
After missing the past two weeks with an assortment of niggles, Stefan Martin is a strong chance to return for Saturday's game against Carlton at the Gabba. Martin would have to share ruck duties with super-impressive Archie Smith, but his big body would be a welcome addition to the ailing Lions. Midfielder Jarrad Jansen and running defender Tom Cutler would also be chances to return. - Michael Whiting
Stefan Martin can't get back quickly enough for the Lions. Picture: AFL Photos
After their biggest loss of the season to St Kilda, the Blues will be looking for fresh faces to break an eight-game losing streak but skipper Marc Murphy, who has been sidelined since round 10 with an ankle injury, won't be one of them. He's another week away, at least. The Blues are also hoping to give young key forward Harry McKay, their second pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, an opportunity at senior level before the end of the season. McKay’s debut season has been interrupted by a lower back injury and he was starting to find form with the Northern Blues at VFL level recently, but suffered another setback last Saturday when he was forced off with injury. The Blues are confident that it is not too serious and he will get his chance soon. Andrejs Everitt, who was dropped for the Saints’ game, booted five goals in the Northern Blues’ 44-point loss to Richmond. Everitt finished with 15 disposals and seven marks. Mark Whiley (27 disposals, eight tackles) and Jason Tutt (26 touches, nine marks) were standout performers again. Liam Jones was prominent with five contested marks and a goal, while Kristian Jaksch finished with 17 disposals, seven marks and a goal. - Howard Kotton
Young key forward Darcy Moore is a chance to return after missing one game with hamstring tightness, and his inclusion would provide a desperately needed boost to the Pies' attack against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. After a galling loss to Richmond, the Pies might well make a raft of changes, and will be forced to make at least one alteration if skipper Scott Pendlebury (foot) is ruled out. The candidates for promotion include young midfielders Jordan De Goey, Tom Phillips and Matthew Goodyear, the versatile Adam Oxley, big forward Corey Gault, fullback Jack Frost, and 2010 premiership veterans Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer and Alan Toovey – each of whom starred in the VFL – although it wouldn't surprise if Pies selectors have decided to invest games in younger players instead. - Ben Collins
The Bombers don't have a plethora of options ready to go as the club edges towards the end of a challenging year. Kyle Langford was dropped last week and played well despite Essendon's VFL side going down in a big defeat, and he could make his way back into the senior line-up. Mason Redman might also get another chance as Essendon looks to keep its senior squad fresh, while Mathew Stokes returned from his groin injury and seems likely to come into the team to face Gold Coast on Sunday. Another-top player, Ryan Crowley, could also come back for the Bombers after a couple of performances at VFL level if John Worsfold and his selection panel are looking to add some senior experience. - Callum Twomey
The Dockers were competitive early on Sunday before fading in the second half. They didn't have too many non-contributors and there were no injuries to speak of which will make selection interesting this week. Youngster Connor Blakely has to be in the mix. He's played the last two weeks in the WAFL and had a run-with role on the weekend, shutting Eagles squad member Patrick McGinnity out of the game in Peel's win over East Perth. Anthony Morabito answered Ross Lyon's challenge to string some form together with 26 disposals. Veterans Matt de Boer (39 disposals), Tendai Mzungu (35 and one goal) and Clancee Pearce (26 disposals) were all major contributors for Peel and remain options if required. Matt Taberner made a case for an immediate recall after collecting 23 touches, eight marks and two goals for Peel. Jon Griffin had 14 hit-outs and kicked two goals but would appear unlikely to get back in for the moment. Cam Sutcliffe was held over as an emergency after being dropped but could be called upon again. - Alex Malcolm
Connor Blakely (left) has been a surprise omission from the Dockers' last two squads. Picture: AFL Photos
Lincoln McCarthy appears an automatic selection if he has recovered from the adductor injury that has been bothering him for some time. Jake Kolodjashnij was managed after 15 games this season. Tom Ruggles appears to be a horses-for-courses selection, but after being omitted from the senior team he did not play VFL, giving his body a chance to freshen up. Darcy Lang was best on ground in the VFL with 32 touches while George Horlin-Smith continues to be a consistent performer. Shane Kersten was playing well until he was concussed and missed the second half of the VFL while Mitch Clark returned to kick three goals. - Peter Ryan
The Suns will welcome some much-needed speed back into their team for Sunday's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium, with Aaron Hall and Adam Saad both back from hamstring troubles. Hall will come straight back in, while Saad has now had two games in the NEAFL to prove his fitness. With ruckman Tom Nicholls (PCL) missing, Keegan Brooksby looks his most likely replacement, while Jesse Lonergan could also be added to the midfield, but will have to pass a test on his injured shoulder. - Michael Whiting
The Giants had a wealth of quality come back through the NEAFL last week from injury, and coach Leon Cameron will have another tough time at the selection table in round 21. Star midfielder Dylan Shiel (groin) missed last week's win over Gold Coast and could be a chance to face West Coast if he can get through training. GWS had a massive win over the Suns in the reserves last week with midfielders Jacob Hopper, Matthew Kennedy, Jack Steele, Rhys Palmer and Jake Barrett racked up big numbers, while forwards Will Hoskin-Elliott and James Stewart, and defenders Matt Buntine and Adam Kennedy also impressive. The news was also good in the injury front with key defender Aidan Corr (ankle) getting back on the field after last playing in the senior side's round-three loss to the Sydney Swans. - Adam Curley
At least one compulsory change will be needed for the huge North Melbourne clash on Saturday at the MCG with forward James Sicily set to miss because of suspension. Given that his form has tapered off a bit and that he has played every game so far, a week off might not be the worst outcome. The Hawks have also yet to confirm the extent of defender Ben Stratton's pectoral injury and his absence would be a major blow given his excellent form this season. Fellow defender James Frawley (shoulder) was a late withdrawal last week and should be back, while Hawthorn's tackling and pressure numbers should be further bolstered by the return of Paul Puopolo (hip) and Liam Shiels (hamstring). Others in line for selection this week include Angus Litherland and Daniel Howe, while Hawk fans are already clamoring for a look at 2015 first-round draft pick, medium forward Ryan Burton after a sparkling three goals for Box Hill on Sunday. As a like for like replacement for Sicily he has appeal, but he might need more game time in the VFL. Ryan Schoenmakers will also play in the VFL this week along with Matt Spangher as they return from long-term injuries. - Ashley Browne
James Frawley was a costly late withdrawal against the Demons last Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos
Melbourne expects star forward Jesse Hogan to be available for selection for Saturday night's duel with Port Adelaide. Hogan missed the Demons' 29-point win against Hawthorn with a bruised knee, so finding the player who will make way for him will not be an easy task. Hogan's inclusion might be the only change to the team, but there a number of players pushing their case strongly at the lower level. Alex Neal-Bullen (36 disposals), Jack Grimes (35), Jack Trengove (32) Viv Michie (31), Matt Jones (30) and Ben Kennedy (28) won plenty of the ball in the Casey Scorpions' 86-point win over Essendon. Despite enduring an injury-interrupted year, Jay Kennedy-Harris played his best game for the season to kick four goals in the second half. Christian Salem (25 touches) is also working back into form after a long layoff due to illness. - Ben Guthrie
With key forward Ben Brown and veteran defender Scott Thompson under fitness clouds, several Kangaroos will be on standby for a call-up. Untried youngsters Sam Durdin and Ben McKay (one goal) could be options in attack after they both took five marks in Werribee's loss to Box Hill. Out-of-favour tall Lachie Hansen might be handy at either end, and the 27-year-old kicked a goal from 11 touches in the VFL. Yet-to-debut Ed Vickers-Willis (18 disposals, seven marks, six tackles) impressed across half-back and appears another option for the crunch clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, while Robin Nahas (18 disposals, one goal) might add some spark in attack to a North side which booted only seven goals against the Western Bulldogs. - Travis King
The Power could be set to ring the changes for Saturday night's encounter with Melbourne at Adelaide Oval. Ruckman Matthew Lobbe is in line for a return to the senior side after a strong performance for Port Adelaide in the SANFL last weekend. Lobbe has played the past couple weeks in the reserves after missing three months with a knee injury. Veteran midfielder Matt White and forward Jay Schulz will also come into consideration after the Power were belted by the Sydney Swans to the tune of 67 points last weekend. Untried youngsters Jesse Palmer and Billy Frampton are also in the mix to debut as coach Ken Hinkley casts his eye over the playing list in the final three weeks of the season. However, Frampton will need to pass a fitness test on a groin injury. - Lee Gaskin
Matthew Lobbe has been working his way back to form in the SANFL. Picture: AFL Photos
It's been 10 years since Richmond beat Geelong, meaning it has never happened under Damien Hardwick's tenure. That's a serious carrot for the Tigers, but development and the blooding of young players will still take priority. Ben Lennon looks set to return after arguably his best VFL game this season, racking up 23 possessions, 12 marks and three goals. Kane Lambert (37 possessions) also demanded a recall after one match in then VFL. Tall forward Liam McBean booted four goals, which might be enough to give him another shot to prove his credentials at the top level. Highly rated midfielder Corey Ellis returned from a six-week groin injury in the VFL but will likely need more time before his AFL return. Reece Conca (hamstring) and Shane Edwards (calf) will need to pass fitness tests this week to be available. – Nathan Schmook
The Saints are coming off a 19-goal performance against Carlton, and expect them to bolster their forward line with Paddy McCartin. The No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick from 2014 slotted five goals for Sandringham last Saturday. Alongside him was Cameron Shenton, who bagged six for the Zebras. He hasn't lined up in the senior team this season but his form has been consistent at VFL level. Eli Templeton is another whose VFL form has been strong for a long time. Defender Jimmy Webster returned through the reserves last week after a hamstring strain. Daniel McKenzie and Jack Sinclair were only recently dropped, and could return. - Dinny Navaratnam
Will this be the week the Saints pull the trigger on Paddy McCartin? Picture: AFL Photos
The Swans' reserves belted the Brisbane Lions by 135 points last week with veteran Ben McGlynn brilliant with 34 possessions, nine tackles and a goal. Jeremy Laidler was also very good after returning from a hamstring injury. Young midfielder Jordan Foote gathered 33 touches, while the rookie-listed Nic Newman picked up 41 and booted two goals. James Rose, international rookie Colin O'Riordan and ruckman Tom Derickx were other good players for the Swans. Midfielder Brandon Jack was held over as an emergency for the senior team last week and would be close to playing his first game of the year, but there doesn't appear to be many spots in the seniors up for grabs. - Adam Curley
The Eagles have a six-day break to contend with ahead of a clash with Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium. Sam Butler was held out last week due to a minor groin issue and should come straight back into the line-up. Liam Duggan missed with a minor calf issue. He should also be available but whether he comes straight back in is another question. Jack Redden was held over as the emergency on Sunday and might need a run at WAFL level. Lewis Jetta collected 23 touches for East Perth in the WAFL but it was a sporadic contribution. Eric Mackenzie will find it hard to get back in given the form of the Eagles' defence last week. Youngsters Tom Lamb (16 touches and two goals), Tom Cole (20 disposals) and Luke Partington (25 disposals) contributed for the Royals but are unlikely to be considered to face the Giants. - Alex Malcolm
The ultra-reliable Sam Butler is likely to return for the Eagles this week agains GWS. Picture: AFL Photos
The Bulldogs look set to regain defensive playmaker Matt Suckling for Friday night's clash with Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. The former Hawk has missed the past fortnight with an Achilles complaint, and he's a chance to be joined by midfielder Clay Smith, who was forced out of the win over North Melbourne with concussion. It's hard to see Luke Beveridge making too many changes, but if Suckling is declared fit, one of Nathan Hrovat, Lukas Webb or Joel Hamling could make way. - Ryan Davidson
